Tag Archives: irish rail

December 19, 2013 · 9:04 PM

Christmas crackers from Studio Scale Models

Studio Scale Models have added two new kits to their range in time for the Christmas season.

The first is a CIÉ/Iarnród Éireann Wickham inspection car kit in etched brass. Three of these units were supplied to CIÉ in 1962 and remained in use until the 1990s.

The kit is designed to fit a Black Beetle 35mm power unit and includes wheels, transfers, underframe, handrail wire, and acetate for windows and amber lighting. It also features a fully detailed interior, complete with seating and control wheel, and doors can be modelled either opened or shut. Cost: €22 + €3 P&P.

Studio Scale Models' new Wickham inspection car kit

Also available now from SSM is this Irish P&T telephone box, also in etched brass, which features interior detail and ‘Telefón’ signage. Cost: €9 + €1 P&P.

Studio Scale Models' P&T telephone box kit

To order, contact Studio Scale Models directly.

Converting the Murphy-Bachmann 141 Class Diesel to 21mm Gauge

Denis Bates

The General Motors 141 Class diesel of CIE was introduced in 1962, and for over 40 years has been among the most successful of the Irish diesels. So it was not by accident that Murphy Models chose it for their first foray into a completely designed Irish model (the previous Woolwich Mogul and the NCC Jinty were of course repainted versions of the English models). So, although my main interests are in steam days, and particularly the BCDR, I couldn’t resist purchasing one, with a view to re-wheeling it to 21mm gauge and P4 standards. The prototype is described and drawn in two of the model magazines: by Tim Cramer in Model Railways for March 1977, and by Shane McQuillan in Practical Model Railways for June 1986. The latter article describes also the building of one, from a kit by the Model Irish Railways group. Comparing the Murphy model with the drawings, I could find nothing amiss – except for the buffer spacing. The buffer centres should be at a spacing of 6’3”; on the model they are at 23mm (5’9”). I presume that is to match the spacing of other Murphy-Bachmann models, at English spacing.

I first determined that a P4 wheelset would fit between the bogie frames, and it does, just. My main mistake was to dismantle the loco as far as possible – this is not necessary, as the bogie frames can be levered off. They are similar to those of the Bachmann Class 20 diesel (described by Keith Norgrove at http://www.norgrove.me.uk/index.htm). A screwdriver is used to prise out the frames, which appear to be identical on the two bogies. The wheelsets can then be prised out of the bogies. Each wheelset has an offset plastic gear wheel, two brass bearings which are a push fit in the sideframes, and brass wheels with insulating sleeves. Measure the distance of the gear from the ends of the axles, before tapping out the wheels and sleeves using a small drift and hammer. The gear wheel can similarly be tapped off the axle.

If the model is to be converted to EM gauge, all that is necessary is to cut 2mm steel rod to the appropriate length, and put the gear and wheels on. Although there is a spline on the original axle for the gear, it seems tight enough on a plain rod (a smear of loctite could be used to anchor it firmly). To keep the axle laterally in place, two brass sleeves, or an appropriate number of washers, should be added between the gear and the bearings (or between the bearings and the insulating sleeves (see figure). For conversion to P4 and 21mm, the original brass wheels can be used, but have to be turned down to receive P4 rims (these are obtainable from Alan Gibson on special order). It is also possible to turn down the existing rims to P4 standards. For those without a lathe, it may be possible to purchase P4 wheels to suit. Before finally inserting the wheel sets, the pickups need to be adjusted so that they bear on the backs of the wheels. On the Bachmann wheelsets, the hub projects further out than the rim, and does not fit easily between the sideframes. However, the insides of the frames can be filed out (about 0.5mm or more) to give clearance. I used a cylindrical dental burr to do this, held in a drill press, and hand held the frames. Once finished, the loco ran just as well as it had done on 00 track. Now to try it on Adavoyle Junction, out of period though it be!

3 Comments

Filed under Modelling

Tagged as 141, 181, 21mm, Bachmann, cie, coras iompar éireann, Denis Bates, iarnrod éireann, ireland, irish, irish rail, irish railway, irish railways, model railroad, model railroading, model railway, model railways, Murphy Models, railway, railway modelling, railways

September 28, 2009 · 12:58 AM

Something New; Something Old

David Malone

Several modellers have had a go at fitting sound chips into the Bachmann-Murphy 141 although some seem to be using slightly larger speakers than I did. To replace the unusable round one supplied. I did no filing, just snipped the corners off the oblong speaker’s plastic frame, and soldered the wires from the cut off speaker to the new one. I did not know that there were speaker terminals on the lights board. I have fitted my two, black 141 and 181, with Ultrascale wheels, to 21mm gauge. The wheels are intended for the BR “Western” class, and feature protruding hubs. I removed these using a chisel shaped hobby blade, wider than the tyre diameter. They can then be shaved off, using the outer tyre face as a limit stop, a few minutes work per wheel. I had to reduce the supplied axles length by 0.75mm. The little gear wheel sits on a splined bit of the axle, and slides on the 2mm axle, but a touch of Locktite is all that is needed to secure it. I made the mistake of mounting the gear central on the axle, it should be slightly off set to fully engage the gear in the bogie, I will tweak mine over. The pick up phosphor-bronze strips need bending out to touch the back of the wheels, and act as a side control spring. Now came the big test, would it run? It worked fine on my 3’ length of straight track, but what about my 5’ length, with a reverse curve 4’ 6” into 4’radius, with rail depression in excess of 1mm staggered in the curve: how would the rigid axles cope? Well, much to my pleasant surprise, they stayed on the track, no problem. Since then I decided to file about 0.5mm off the inside of the side-frames, just to provide a little extra clearance, and reduce the chance of the paint on the wheel disc wearing away. Looking at the removed wheels, I think the protruding rim of the tyre could be turned off until the tyre is scale width, and then the flange could be turned down to P4 or EM profile, thus avoiding a twelve week wait and the expense of Ultrascale wheels.

Treated and untreated bogies. The untreated one is my CIE Supertrain liveried 181

Two versions of the 141 on 2mm gauge track

I am now doing a bit of weathering on my 141/181s. I overdid the exhaust staining on the roof of the orange one, fortunately using acrylic so it washes off. On the sound chipped ones, I removed the grey bridging plate, and turned the speakers over, so they are face down into the
flywheel void, thus creating a sound box. It does seem louder, even with the hearing aids turned off. A dab of black acrylic on the silver speaker back makes them all but invisible through the grill. The next job is to fit all the plumbing to the “Pilot”, and try to combine the very neat etched coupling links with Exactoscale bits to form a strong coupling. The supplied ones are extremely neat, but I don’t think the little plastic pins would last long in service.

The J15 is finished, at last. I started it in 2006, having had the kit since 1985!!! I found that the tender spring hangers that I mentioned were on the fret all the time. I thought they were the loops that some tenders had around the springs. A case of read the instructions. In the RAF and civil aviation, the instructors always gave advice before you went into any written exam: “Read the d*** questions!” Translated into model building this becomes: “Read the d*** instructions!”

J15 on 21mm gauge track

3 Comments

Filed under Modelling

Tagged as 141, 181, 21mm, coras iompar éireann, david malone, finescale, Great Southern Railway, GSR, iarnrod éireann, ireland, irish, irish rail, irish railway, irish railways, j15, model railroad, model railroading, model railway, model railways, Murphy Models, railway, railway modelling, railways, studio scale models

September 23, 2009 · 10:32 PM

News & Views

Despite the recent increase in our subscription rates, several members included donations with their renewals, and some people said they still consider New Irish Lines as very good value for money. I’d like to thank all those who sent a bit extra, and some of you were very generous. As with all donations, these sums will go to the newsletter’s general funds. Several folks also commended the quality of the articles in the issues last year, and how they have used some of the information given for their own modelling project, so I would like to pass on these complements to our authors. Please keep the articles coming. We now have about 150 paid up members, but there is always room for more!

Bill Scott has pointed out that the caption on p.31 of the May 2008 issue should of course refer to GNR loco 177.

Peter Swift has reminded me, following on from the article on ballast wagons in the November issue, that Hurst, Nelson [sorry, my typo] and Company of Motherwell, the rolling stock manufacturers, had no connection with Neilson Reid, the locomotive builders in Glasgow, which later became part of the North British Locomotive Company.

Desmond Coakham writes:
The article by “A Moyner” in the Nov issue is a masterpiece of nostalgia. My family moved to Rathmines in 1930, and Ranelagh became our nearest railway station, mostly used for summer trips to Bray, where the council soon prohibited sea-bathing from the sea front and sent prospective bathers on a long walk to a place called Naylor’s Cove. You will know of course that LUAS is driving towards Bride’s Glen and on to Bray eventually*. It deviated from the old DSER line to its terminus and depot at Sandyford, which turned out to be only yards from Stillorgan station on the old line. Denis Bates’ model of poor old D1 looks splendid, but I must tell him they tried it to Ardglass when new and the gradients were too much for it. I am currently sorting out the woeful performance of the Ardglass DE number 28, which they eventually gave back to Harlands and were given a few quid back.
*See Railway Bylines, Annual no 5 for an article by Desmond on this area.

Francis Shuttleworth, who kindly allowed me to reproduce some of his photographs of the GNR drovers’ vans in the May 2008 issue, asks me to clear up any potential confusion, from the note at the end of the article in which I attributed the collection to “Tim Shuttleworth.” as This implies, that F.W Shuttleworth collected the photographs, rather than took them, and secondly that “FW” may now have passed on and that someone called Tim (possibly his son) is in charge of the collection! F.W. and Tim, are, of course, one and the same, and very much alive and well!

While browsing recently, I discovered that there is even a short clip of the Cork & Muskerry Railway in the now quite celebrated Mitchell and Kenyon collection of early films. I haven’t been able to view it yet, but the details are:
British Film Institute archive: http://www.bfi.org.uk/about/
Use the search option at: http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/searches.php and search under “Muskerry”:
Mitchell and Kenyon, 243 ride from Blarney to Cork on Cork and Muskerry Light Railway (1902): Leemount station (fenced, creepers growing up the trellis, a gaslight). To the right is a single rail track and a hill beyond. The camera is at the rear of the unseen train. The train pulls away from the station and passes heavily wooded scenery. There is snow [sic] on the ground (00.34). A uniformed station worker walking along the track, which is now no longer single. The train passes a truck on the line and two horse-drawn carts on the road at the side of the track (00.50). A wide road with buildings to the right with signs on the walls, which include `Sunlight Soap’ and `Sutton’s Coal’ [adverts]. Train passes a horse-drawn cart, a tram (marked W.S.10), a bridge and the backs of gardens or allotments (1.20mins).

The following link takes you to some archival footage of B156 on one of the last regular passenger trains from Cork to Youghal, just at the time that the green “flying snail” livery was giving way to the early “black and tan” finish. It’s wonderfully atmospheric, with a “mixed” train, staff exchange at Cobh Junction and footage of some of the intermediate stations. Even that late, Youghal services seem to have offered first-class accommodation: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=z4U5MWhTpnM

Another interesting Youtube link deals with the Waterford & Tramore Railway: no cine film, but a fascinating collection of still shots all the same: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=p8HoJnffb98&feature=related

David Chambers ( davidchambers082@eircom.net ) would be interested to hear from anyone with any further information on the four CIE 30’ six-wheel heating /luggage vans no. 3153-6, introduced in 1964. The only references to come to light on these vehicles are in the Doyle and Hirsch booklets on Locomotives & Rolling Stock of CIE and NIR, a photograph in Des Coakham’s coaching stock book and a short note in Modern CIE Coaching Stock (paper by D Kennedy, IRRS Journal no. 37, p. 159), saying that they were intended for larger winter trains. They were fitted with two Spanner boilers each capable of producing 1,000lb of steam per hour, with 500 gallon water tanks and batteries (which no doubt accounted for their weight of 28tons 5cwts), but which were mounted inside the bodies rather than underneath as on the better known four-wheelers to allow space for the centre axleguards. Each van also had two 160 gallon oil tanks, one under each headstock, Timken roller-bearing axleboxes and a width of 10’ 2”, The body profile, large windows and grab rails seem uniform with the contemporary Craven’s stock, and they had roof hatches at either end. They seem to have been withdrawn sometime between 1982 and 1987. I only came across two specimens, one at Inchicore on a visit in 1982, one on a Sunday morning Dun Laoghaire-Heuston boat train in May 1980, when I think CIE was suffering a rolling stock shortage and such a service had to make do with whatever was available.

I am also grateful to David for the following website, which gives details of the extension of the Interconnector from Heuston to Inchicore, and includes a map of the proposed Dublin integrated transport network:
http://www.irishrail.ie/projects/pdf/0904%20DART%20Underground%20route%20maps.pdf

The Irish National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/ includes details of a number of railway structures. In each of the counties surveyed, use the “Advanced Search” option and look under the categories “Locomotive Sheds” and “Railway Stations.”

Following the demise of the MSN site, Irish Railway Modelling has been
re-launched at: http://irishrailwaymodelling.yuku.com/

The following link from the NI Transport Holding Co may be of interest to those who study civil engineering. Scroll down to the fourth message in the string for a spreadsheet listing bridge information on the company’s railway network: http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/bridge_numbers_on_nir_network

Neil Ramsay’s live steam CVR Atkinson Walker built around the Worsley etch features as the Model of the Month for August 2008 on the 16mm Society website: http://www.16mm.org.uk/

David Thom from Ontario in Canada has drawn my attention to the website: http://www.geograph.org.uk/ which includes many photos from Ireland including some of current railway locations.

For anyone having difficulties locating Kinder eggs to make cement bubble tanks from, I am grateful to Jim Hughes of Belfast who has identified an alternative source for the tanks: the covers of toys called Flash Pop Rings (i.e. plastic children’s finger rings with flashing lights). The two main sources appear to be:

Shelton Distributors, Unit 17 Greenogue Industrial Estate, Rathcoole, Co Dublin Tel: +353 1 4018455(1) or
JTS (International) Ltd, Candy House, Crystal Drive, Smethwick, West Midlands B66 1QG Tel: 0121 5521661.

Recent writings on Irish railways include:
Berkeley T (2008) Ireland needs a dose of competition [short article on rail freight] Modern Railways 65 (772): 14-15 (Nov)
Anonymous (2008) New Luas routing at Red Cow [news paragraph] Tramways & Urban Transit 71 (851): 412 (Nov)
Anonymous (2008) Galway lobbies for light rail [news paragraph] Tramways & Urban Transit 71(851): 413 (Nov)
Anonymous (2008) Dublin co-ordinates projects [news paragraph new rail and light rail connections] Tramways & Urban Transit 71 (851): 414 (Nov)
Ferris C (2008) Irish News [Nenagh, Dunboyne and Middleton commuter
services; rail-freight; Dublin smartcard; Interconnector; WRC; new cement wagons and maintenance vehicles; DART fleet; Ulster funding; rail funding] Today’s Railways UK 83: 24-6 (Nov)
Jackson P (2008) Light Rail News [Luas Red Line reopens; weather hits Luas; Galway light rail] Today’s Railways UK 83: 30(Nov)
Gray A (2008) Donegal [0-16.5 scale model railway] Railway Modeller 59: 766-7 (Nov)
Pritchard R (2008) Swansong for Irish Rail loco-hauled Today’s Railways UK 83:46-53 (Nov)
O’Rourke A (2008) Two Irish Models Historical Model Railway Society Journal 19(12): 387-9 (Oct-Dec) [WCIR four-wheel coach; MGWR loco coal hopper wagon]
Anonymous (2008) Metro North moves ahead; Dublin unveils potential 15km LUAS routes to Lucan [news paragraphs] Tramways & Urban Transit 71 (852): 455; 457 (Dec)
Anonymous (2008) Rail escapes budget cuts Railway Gazette International 164 (11): 864 (Nov)
Anonymous (2009) Dunboyne work starts; More trams for Dublin Modern Railways 66 (724): 71 (Jan) [news paragraphs and photo]
Anonymous (2009) Details for Dublin’s new Luas line to Grangegorman unveiled Tramways & Urban Transit 72(855): 85 (March 2009) [news paragraph and photo]
Anonymous (2009) It’s ‘go’….work to start on Luas extension to Saggart village Tramways & Urban Transit 12(856): 124 (April) [news paragraph]
Anonymous (2009) Dublin to ban cars from centre to make way for Metro? Tramways & Urban Transit 12(856): 127 (April) [news paragraph]
Anonymous (2009)Northern Ireland academy opens Railway Gazette International 165 (4): 57(April) [short report and photograph, Translink driver and signalling simulation training facility]
Anonymous (2009) Four bids in Dublin Railway Gazette International 165 (4): 18(April) [news paragraph on tenders for Metro North]
Anonymous (2009) Luas Cherrywood line completed Tramways & Urban Transit 72(855): 87 (March 2009) [news paragraph]
Anonymous (2009) Interconnector still ‘as planned’ Tramways & Urban Transit 72(855): 88 (March 2009) [news paragraph]
Anonymous (2009)Construction work has started on Dublin’s Docklands commuter line; Cuts may affect Irish [Transport 21] schemes; Dublin [LUAS] cars to gain advertising; new Metro West route announced; late [Christmas] LUAS Tramways & Urban Transit 72 (854): 45, 47, 48 (Feb) [news paragraphs]
Anonymous (2009) Construction work has started on Dublin’s Dockland
commuter line; Galway accesses light rail; Cuts may affect Irish scheme; Dublin cars to gain advertising; New Metro West route announced Tramways & Urban Transit 72 (854): 45; 47 [news paragraphs](Feb)

Allan Doherty has been busy adding to his range of etchings, and recent releases include:

The four GSR built Pullman coaches (see New Irish Lines May 2003):
* Pullman coach (sides and ends only) 62’4″ £20-00
* Pullman coach (sides, ends, floor, battery boxes, fold down trussing) 62’4″ £30-00.

Schull and Skibbereen Railway:
* Passenger brake vans nos. 53 and 54 £15-00
* Goods brake van no. 46 £13-50
* Vans 36-45 (body including riveted strapping, chassis with brake gear) £9-00

Castlederg and Victoria Bridge
* No 28 three-plank wagon (later CDR 228) £13-00
County Donegal Railway
§ Wagon no. 6 (ex-CVBT) £13-00

Payment by sterling cheques drawn on a UK clearing bank only, payable to “A Doherty,” to: A Doherty, 19 Douglas Road, Worsley M28 2SR. See the website for details of the full Worsley range of kits: http://www.worsleyworks.co.uk/index.htm Allen Doherty allendoherty@worsleyworks.co.uk

Studio Scale Models has gone on-line since the last edition of New Irish Lines at http://homepage.eircom.net/~studioscale/index.html The site provides full details of the kits with drawings and photos and also order codes for suitable gearboxes, motors and wheels (OO gauge only), which can also be ordered at time of purchase. Various contributors have provided photographs of SSM kits they have built: you may recognize some of them from Alan and Stephen’s Modelling Irish Railways. Thanks to Harry, Eric, Alan and Eamon! SSM are delighted to announce the availability of several new kits. Pride of place goes to the mighty V-Class Compound 4-4-0 Merlin and modellers of the CIE era will be delighted with the trio of Bredin designed first class coach, composite and mail van (all formerly of the TMD stable). The Victorian six-wheel coaches are also now available separately, good news for those who may want the third class brake with ducket and birdcage roof! All coaches come complete with appropriate seating and transfers. New transfers include the IR/IE Arrow, 2700, 2800 and 29000 IE Commuters, Intercity Mark 4 sets and the DART. Finally, proposed items for development include a Mark 3 EGV etch and transfer pack, and the distinctive Aspinall GSWR D17 4-4-0 loco (as seen
dropping John Wayne off in The Quiet Man). Watch for updates on the new wishlist section on the website and feel free to email or write to: Des Sullivan, Radharc na hInse, Ballybeg, Ennis, Ireland to make your suggestions for a particular loco, coach, detailing kit or transfer pack.

New release from Alphagraphix include the following 7mm card kits:
Ballyconnell station (CLR) £12 CC73 GNR Butter van £2
Florencecourt station (SLNCR) £10 CC74 CIE standard box van (grey) £2
CC70 Ranks grain hopper wagon (red livery) £2
CC71 Ranks grain hopper wagon (grey livery) £2
CC72 GNR Guinness bogie van £4 CC75 CIE standard box van (brown) £2
CC76 SLNCR horsebox no. 1 (ex-WLWR) £2
Most of these kits are or will shortly be available in 4mm versions. In 7mm, Roger is also working on an etched brass kit for the MGWR Fairbairn 2-2-2WTs (Elf, Fairy, Bee), with castings to finish. Alphagraphix, 23, Darris Road Selly Park Birmingham B29 7QY E-mail: sirberkeley@tiscali.co.uk

I gather that a company called ‘Transcale Trains’ have advertised IÉ railcar kits in 4mm scale on the internet at: http://transcaletrains.blog.co.uk/ However, it appears that this maybe a scam: I have heard from some of our members that having accepted some payments, the owner of the website has now stopped replying to messages, and it seems that the models were never actually made.

Marks Models now offer several Irish railway buildings, from the Bachman Scenecraft range: GNR(I) style signal cabin, based on Donnabate, with green woodwork, code: BA44250
Single track loco shed (based on Westport), pale stone finish, with a good deal of soot / oil weathering, code: BA44251
Single storey stone station building, described as based on Clonmel, code: BA44252. This one appears closer to one the smaller WLWR stations, like Carrick-on-Suir, but it may be the single-storey section of the main building at Clonmel immediately next to the road overbridge, although the stone finish is also much paler than Clonmel. See: http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/C/Clonmel/slides/DSC02248.html
Marks Models: http://www.marksmodels.com/?cid=51 or shops at: 14 Hawkins St., Dublin 2, Tel 01 6715809; 339 Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin,, Tel: 01 2845855; 136 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork, Tel: 021 4277100

Paul Taylor sent this picture of GSWR 12-t goods brake, built to HO scale, from plasticard and various items from the “bits box” It runs on Gibson open-spoke wheels and is standing on SMP EM gauge flexible track, which is quite a good match for 5’ 3” in 3.5mm scale (do the maths!). Paul has also built a GSR bogie rail truck from a Rivarosi FS flat wagon and a two-plank ballast wagon using Slater’s 4mm body sections on a Lima HO chassis.

HO scale GSWR 12t brake van by Paul Taylor

Following on from the article on GNR double-decked sheep vans, it seems that in 1942 the company built ramps for loading and unloading these vehicles at Antrim, Armagh, Ballyroney, Banbridge, Crumlin, Castlewellan, Dromore, Markethill, Poyntzpass, Strabane, Derry, Newry and Maysfields.

From 'Railways' February 1951 12 (2): 29. I haven't been able to check the original reference. Could it have been some sort of April Fool's?

1 Comment

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as 2008, irish, irish rail, irish railway, irish railways, may, model railroad, model railroading, model railway, model railways, news, News and Views, railway modelling, views

June 20, 2009 · 12:11 AM

News and Views

Peter Swift writes from Derby, with more information following last time’s editorial:

You suggest that Bonds had moved out of London during the war. They were certainly still in Euston Road when I was at University in London in the early 1960s, on the south side of Euston Road near the top of Tottenham Court Road. They may have started the Midhurst premises during the war and then retreated to it again in the 1970’s when London prices drove them out. Re the “oldest model making company” title, I think Bassett Lowke win the British title but there were certainly earlier ones in Germany. As Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) Archivist, I have access to a wide collection of material including model company catalogues* in the HMRS collection, and also working and public timetables, as well as many other working instructions etc for the railways, which are listed in the open access part of the HMRS website hmrs.org.uk. Unfortunately, there are not many Irish items.

*Peter has kindly provided me with a list of these, some undated, but going back to 1912, and including other pioneers such as the Leeds Model Co and Mills Brothers. If anyone wants more details, they can contact Peter at: archivist@hmrs.org

Amsies Models have recently added vinyl overlays for Irish mark 2 coaches to their N and 00 ranges. More designs will follow if sales show there is a demand for these products. Amsies Models, 1 Burgundy Gardens, Burnt Mills, Basildon, Essex SS13 1NP Tel: 01268 470712 Mobile: 07534 211694 E-mail: paul.amestoy@blueyonder.co.uk Website: http://www.amsiesmodels.co.uk/index.htm

Patrick O’Sullivan sends the following notes on these overlays:
These are a new venture into the world of model railway for Paul and Victoria Amsie, and cover coaches in 4mm, 3.5mm and N-Gauge/2mm. with various liveries to suit ready-to-run vehicles. The overlays can be produced in any livery regardles of how complicated it is, and made to suit the customer’s donor coach. The finished colours are in good, strong colours and look superb. Any Irish coach livery can be provided to suit the customer’s requirements, in any of the standard scales, i.e. 4mm, 3.5mm, 2mm, and N-Gauge, and with the required livery, and running numbers etc. The vinyl overlays are best suited to modern flat sided vehicles, having said that there is no reason that they could not be adopted for raised sided coaches, if one is prepared to file off the raised detail, stick on the self-adhesive vinyl overlay and then glue on pre-painted strips. This seems to be a big break through in the world of model railways, especially for those of us who model Irish rolling stock. I have no doubt that, while this is a new product, it will transform railway modelling. Having seen this product first hand, I have no doubt that with a bit of forward thinking that overlays for Irish private owner wagons could be produced. Paul is going to forward me some samples to review, and once I have done this I will post my findings and include a copy for the next editon of New Irish Lines. A full demonstration of the technique of vinyl overlays with photographs is available on Paul’s website at http://www.amsiesmodels.co.uk

Patrick has also come across a new photographic collection, and is at present sifting through the Irish section: Transport Treasury, Logie Shannoch, Drumrossie, Insch, Aberdeenshire AB52 6LJ Tel: 01464-820717 Mobile: 07867 645410 E-mail: info@transporttreasury.co.uk Website: http://www.transporttreasury.co.uk/

David White (Whiteeno@aol.com) writes from Scotland:
Perth Model Railway Club to go Irish: The members of Perth Model Railway Club (Scotland) have decided to commission two new model railway layouts. One of the two new layouts to be built by the members of Club will be an Irish model railway. The Club made their decision to have something different after they viewed a range of Irish rolling stock owned by David White who lives in nearby Newburgh, Fife. David owns a variety of Irish rolling stock allowing him to run trains from 1945 through to today. The building of this new layout will commence in July 2008, its first showing is expected to be at the Perth 2009 Exhibition. Would any Irish Club be interested in exhibiting at Perth in 2009?

Ciarán Cooney (e-mail: harcourtstation@gmail.com) writes:
I was photographing some West Clare Railway stations a few weeks ago, and I photographed one at Blackweir, which strangely featured some pre-1950s style road signs. I recall in the newsletter you sent me a while ago an article written by a modeller, Doncha Cronin, regarding these type of road signs, and whether any were in existence today. I just thought I should inform you as he and possibly others may find the photos of use which I took. You can view them on this link on the website: http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/B/Blackweir/A&Bindex.html

These two pictures from Tony Hewitt (hewittht@tiscali.co.uk) show a model of Schull & Skibereen Railway no. 4 which he has built from various woods, ranging from 1mm plywood upwards. The wheels are made from ash, two varieties of mahogany and cocktail sticks Smaller components are turned on a lathe, and there are some brass parts for the cow-catcher and smoke-box fittings. The builder tells me he became a grandfather while building the model, and the latest addition to his family also rejoices in the name Erin!

Recent writings on Irish railways include:Anonymous (2008) Red Line: longer trams, shorter line Tramways & Urban Transit 71(848): 294, 295 [news paragraph and photograph]

Anonymous (2008) TRAM Power proposes trams for Galway Tramways & Urban Transit 71(848): 296 [news paragraph]

Pulling N (2008) LUAS gets to The Point Tramways & Urban Transit 71(846); 216-7 (June) [includes photos of work at Sandyford]

Pulling N (2008) Dublin Expansion Tramways & Urban Transit 71(850): 376 [LUAS extension]Heritage Rail May-June 2008 CDR goes for Barnesmore

Jones B, Fearn D (2008) Ireland on the move. Rail no. 596: 46-52 (July 16-29

Flanagan C (2008) The Green Pullman Railway Modeller 59: 489 (July) [00 gauge model]For any one trying to find items listed in the IRRS bibliographies from Linkline magazine, try the following website: http://www.businessandfinance.ie/client-publishing/ClientPublishingNewsletter.htm

For any N-gauge Irish modellers, there are now alternative and complementary group on MSN and Yahoo, so you can join in the debate whatever your preference for on-line groups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/irish_n

http://groups.msn.com/IrishNGaugeModellers

Other potentially useful websites are:Ernie’s Irish Railway Photos: http://erniesirishrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/Irish station photographs: http://eiretrains.com/Stations_index.htmIrish Model Railways: http://www.irishrailwaymodels.com/

Following Doncha Cronin’s picture of an Italian version of the CIE G-class (May issue, p.26 ), it seems that there may have been an Iberian branch of the family as well. I took the above photo at the railway museum at Gijon, in Northern Spain earlier this year: the museum has a fascinating collection of broad and narrow gauge and industrial equipment and is well worth a visit. This machine is Deutz no. 57706, built 1964, type B, DH, 140HP 20tons weight, eight cylinders, and it shunted private sidings in the nearby Trubia armaments factories. It runs on the Spanish broad gauge of 5’ 6” (1670mm). Foxrock Models first two kits for the Cork, Blackrock & Passage Railway brake van and open goods wagon are both now available (see may issue, p. 29). Both kits are also suitable for use in CIE days on the CLR section. The resin bodies and etched underframes are very well produced, and there is an excellent detailed instruction sheet including prototype information, and these should prove ideal modelling projects for the lengthening winter evenings for Irish narrow gauge modellers. The brake van kit costs £17 and the open wagon £15, both inclusive of postage there is a 10% discount on multiples of five kits. Orders should be sent to Simon de Souza at: Foxrock Models, 7 Ennerdale Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7HH (e-mail: simon.desouza@btinternet.com), cheques payable to “Simon de Souza.” Simon has plans for future kits for the Cavan and Leitrim open wagon and milk-van/brake van, but clearly investing the time in producing these will depend on sales for the first two kits showing that this is a viable market.

A group has formed with the objective of opening a preserved 5′ 3″ gauge line in the Republic of Ireland. Some of you may recall that in a previous editorial, I posed the question of which former lines might support such a scheme. For further details see: http://www.heritagerailway.ie/index.html

Alistair Rolfe of No Nonsense Kits has re-introduced the cast ends for the GNR(I) AEC railcars (at £7-50 per pair) and cosmetic bogie sides (at £4-00 for four bogie sides i.e. enough for one vehicle, but will need an etched frame to produce a running bogie) from the old MTK moulds. The ends seem closer to the later CIE push-pull versions of these vehicles, but can be cleaned up to the original GNR form. It appears that these components complement the Worsley etches for these vehicles, and the cast ends may be easier to use than shaping the ends from the etched parts, although the inner end was (we think!) flat and may be easier to make from brass than to clean up the MTK casting, which was copied from the GW Collett suburban Bow-end (without steps). However, Alistair can supply these at £5 per pair if bought with the cab fronts. Most of the MTK Irish locos are currently being re-tooled, as a mixture of etchings and castings. They should be re-released over the next few years and NNK is developing a six-wheel mechanism which will provide the correct wheelbase for the larger locos. For four-wheel bogies they suggest Black Beetles. All kits will be suitable for 21mmgauge. The MTK Irish coach kits were usually aluminium body shells with cast ends, though the Park Royals, and Mk.II air-conditioned stock were etched. The Dart was also etched, with cast ends, though much of the tooling is a bit too rough to re-use. Unfortunately it is not practical (or viable) to produce short runs of aluminium-bodied kits, while the tooling for the etched body shells is very scruffy. It is not expensive to replace the artwork for the etchings, but if re-drawing it would make sense to get everything right. So, at present Alistair trying to gather information on the rolling stock, with a view to releasing complete kits, but there are some technical limitations to what can be done for the moment. He hopes to expand his machine-tool range to produce pre-formed body shells to the correct dimension, but this depends on a number of things, including finance and any specific demands from modellers may push specific items up the priority “to do” list!

P&P to the UK is £2 for orders up to £20, 10% thereafter. P&P to Eire is a little more, and will be advised on ordering. No Nonsense Kits now has a PayPal account, and can accept on-line payments: this should save the cost of Sterling bank drafts etc. for customers in the Republic. Otherwise, payment is by cheques or Postal Orders, crossed, payable to “No Nonsense Kits.” Contact details: No Nonsense Kits, PO Box 1009, Cardiff CF23 7YB Tel. 029 2031 7212 E-mail: nnk.website@ntlworld.com Website: http://www.nnkits.co.uk/

Worsley’s latest etchings are for the Schull & Skibereen Railway: http://www.worsleyworks.com. Etched sides for the GSR Pullman cars are expected shortly.

Denis Bates writes from Aberystwyth with further information on two items in the last issue:

GNR (I) Drovers’ vans: I’ve actually made a model of No.3, using the photo of 1957, and the line drawings, which I got from Tony Miles. Interesting that the doors say “drovers” although there are no side windows, nor the pot lamps on the roof. Does the inscription mean that they were still being used for drovers at that date? The differences between the two are interesting also. No.3 has wooden frames, and the outside vertical pillars extend down over the solebars. Nos.97 and 98 have steel frames, and the bodies are wider. Tare weight is greater at 15T.

UTA rail tractor: I have vague memories of one of these. I think it was actually built on a coach bogie, and didn’t have a “cab”. I think it was also used for a “goods train” – pulling a single wagon of coal from Queen’s Quay to Hollywood for a coal merchant based in the goods yard. I was in Sullivan Upper School there at the time.

[from Bill Scott’s new book on NCC locos, p. 165, it seems that when NCC railcar no. 2, built 1934, was withdrawn in 1954, the chassis and engines were used to make two of these tractors. Ed]

Another supplier of card kits for Irish narrow gauge wagon bodies is Hamlin Industries, 79 Harlington Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB8 3HY

E-mail:shamlin@hamlinindustries.com
Web-site: http://www.hamlinindustries.com/

I am grateful to our member Jim Fogarty for the following more direct link to the An Post die-cast models, and specifically the Morris LD150:
http://www.irishstamps.ie/webapp/commerce/command/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=9256&cgmenbr=3421&cat_name=Collectibles/Coins%20&%20Postcards

In addition to his gazetteer mentioned on p. 32 of the May issue, Ralph Rawlinson now also has produced A ‘Register of Closed Railways’ which is on line at: http://www.closedlines.free-online.co.uk/index.htm

As many will know, the very useful SSM range of kits and components has been in limbo for some time, but we now have good news from our member Des Sullivan:

SSM under New Ownership
I am delighted to formally announce that I have taken over Studio Scale Models from Paul Green as of last July. A big thank you is owed to Paul as he has been most supportive and understanding in helping to get a handle on the various elements of the business. The entire range will be re-released, with all instructions revised and updated (over time), fully sprung buffers on the larger engine kits and transfer packs comprising of numbering, lining and crests or icons as appropriate. Some of the models will not be available right away (T2, SG and brake van) as I need to get moulds remade for some of the castings, but I will be accepting pre-orders for these. Prices will be finalised in the weeks to come. The full range is as follows:

Engines
GSWR/GSR/CIE J15 0-6-0 tender engine
GNR(I) S class 4-4-0 tender engine
GNR(I) SG class 0-6-0 tender engine
GNR(I) T2 4-4-2T
MGWR E class/CIE J26 0-6-0T

Coaches
GSWR six-wheeled five coach set
GNR(I)/CIE K15 open third bogie coach
GNR(I)/CIE L12 bogie brake third coach

Freight
GNR(I)/CIE 20-ton brake van
GSWR/GSR/CIE convertible wagon
MGWR/CIE convertible wagon

Subsets
GNR(I)/CIE 57′ or 60′ coach underframe
GNR(I)/CIE elliptical coach roof
GNR(I)/CIE coach castings pack
GNR(I) fishbelly bogie sides
Etched W-irons and brake gear

Contact me on dezsullivan@eircom.net or write to me at: 5 Radharc na hInse, Ballybeg, Ennis, Co. Clare.

2 Comments

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as 2008, irish, irish rail, irish railway, irish railways, model railroad, model railroading, model railway, model railways, news, News and Views, november, railway modelling, views

June 19, 2009 · 11:23 PM

Locomotive Portrait: Cork, Bandon & South Coast Railway B4 Locomotive

Graham Bridle

I have liked the look of this loco ever since I took a greater interest in Irish railways. I know of no kits but Alan kindly sent me some 4mm and 7mm drawings. At the time I was modelled in 4mm. I built a chassis for a B4 in 4mm but before I got any further I was at a small local show that was run by Gauge 0 Guild members. Although many scales were there, I was taken with gauge 0, which suited my eyes and ten thumbs better. So I changed scales. I made a loco from an etched kit and bought a brass pannier, yes I know not Irish but GWR is next best! I also decided to go with the flow and stick to 32mm gauge using C&L products. I decided to scratch build a B4. I made many mistakes as I went along for I am not good at working out all the pitfalls first. The chassis I built first and I will at some time make another. I tried full spring suspension but found making sure all was level difficult. I had made the frames from too thick nickel silver and found the gearbox too wide. I fixed the axle bushes and after some filing it fitted. But I forgot to reassemble on the jig so the running was poor. I think I stripped and reassembled four times, but it does run. The other main problem was with the bogie. Getting the right tension was difficult and I wonder if I should have used a swivel on a pivot set back.

The footplate and body were easier. The tank sides and cab were cut and soldered together to make sure they were symmetrical. There are flanges on the bottoms with captive screws so that the cab and tanks plus the boiler can be dismantled from the footplate separately although I now think this is not necessary. I invested in a riveter and roller. Rolling the boiler was not too difficult, the riveting monotonous and not easy to maintain a line if a reversal in the riveter had to be done. I do not have a lathe so I spoke to Laurie Griffin (Miniatures ). I sent the drawings to him and he did a good match with the boiler fittings. The chimney is not quite right but as all are screwed on I could change it if I find a better match. The boiler door also came from him and the darts. Other proprietary fittings such as the buffers, jack, and couplings were picked up at trade shows. The sand boxes I made and are also screwed on. The coupling rods I think were universal ones from Slaters laminated at the right length.

My painting expertise is not brilliant but it will pass my inspection and as it is intended for my attic this is okay. The detail is not totally accurate because I noticed things after I had soldered up (e.g. the buffer mountings should be round and the bunker is not quite right) but overall I am pleased. This has taken me several years to complete and I have enjoyed doing it. My better half said it was wonderful (honest!) but then it keeps me out of her way for many an hour. I bought a MGWR J26 kit on e-bay which will be my next engine. I do like the lines of the Neilson and Dubs engines supplied to the CB&SCR but I have no drawings. Anybody out there have any?

1 Comment

Filed under Modelling

Tagged as cb&scr, cork bandon and south coast railway, graham bridle, irish, irish rail, irish railway, irish railways, model railroad, model railroading, model railway, model railways, railway modelling, scratchbuilding, scratchbuilt

June 19, 2009 · 11:02 PM

Scratch Building a CIE Cement Bubble

Des Sullivan

Prior to its gradual demise, the freight section of Irish Rail produced some very distinctive and unique rolling stock that just begs to be scratch built. We have also been blessed that MIR has provided several quality kits in the past few years to recreate them. The cement bubble has been one of these. However, when I decided to build an eleven to twelve unit rake of them over twelve months ago, the euro-exchange rate at the time proved to be something of a disincentive. I also wanted to capture some of the finer detailing that the existing kit as seen from the photo on Steve Johnson’s site didn’t seem to cover. Since having built them, the euro has strengthened significantly and the kit has been superbly revised (what with a very solid new resin casting of the bubble and gangway and ladder brass etchings). Oh well, c’est la vie. I was fortunate in having the opportunity to photograph several of them at the old container sidings in Limerick station which revealed the finer detailing and colouring that would add to building a suitable model.

The basis for most 20’ four wheel CIE freight stock is the Dapol C043 cement wagon. The distinctive springs, spring hangers and brake levers are all well captured on this model. Also, because it is a plastic kit, there is much more “depth” to the brake mechanism than one would get with a single piece RTR moulding. The dimensions are a little out, given that the model is a OO/HO hybrid, but this is really of minor importance compared to the abundance of chassis detailing. Finally, there are several parts in the C043 kit that with minor alteration can be used to provide the extra detailing needed for the rest of the model.

Parts Needed
To build one you will need the following:

CO43 kit
Two Kinder Eggs – not the hinged type (yes, there are more than one) but the one with the two shells.
Guitar string (a light gauge “A” string).
A paper lollypop stick (c. 3.6mm diameter).
Transfer set (details later).
0.35mm styrene sheeting 30mm x 80mm.
Scrap of net curtain material or K & S etched mesh 3/64 diamond.
Flexible 0.6mm wire.
Milliput.
Ratio signal ladder pack (#451).
Paint (beige, black, grey, white).

Chassis Construction
First, completely pare back and remove the raised rim on the wagon floor plate (part 6) using a sharp knife or blade.

Scribe and then remove the central part between the two holes. I drill out several 6mm holes to make this easier.

Chamfer the straight sides of the hole at 45° to make for maximum surface and gluing contact between the bubble/egg and the base.

Construct the chassis as detailed in the Dapol instructions, make sure any flash or mould lines are pared and sanded back. The main focus of these is at the buffer sides.

Remove the moulded chain from the end hooks prior to fitting as it will impede the coupling bars otherwise.

Widen out the wheels on the axles ever so slightly (0.2-0.3mm). Drill two holes on either side of the frames for the levers.

Base Detailing
The hole left after removing the central section of the plate is too long and will leave a gap at either side when the egg is put in place. You will need to construct a new wagon floor sheet from styrene sheet that the bubble can sit into, see the adjacent diagram for the appropriate dimensions.

Remember, fit-check-pare and repeat until a precise fit is got prior to gluing. Then glue down the sheet onto the original chassis top. It will take a bit of time, but once done properly, constructing another ten or fourteen can be done with assembly-line ease. I made a stencil from styrene and used it to draw out and cut the other eleven chassis sheet covers once I was happy with the final dimensions.

Identify the plate (part 44). This has raised diagonal detailing that matches the prototype closely. Cut to size by removing paler material as shown in the attached diagram and remove the nodge on the top. Fit at one end of the wagon floor sheet, opposite of where the ladders will be.

Construct the cement pipes from chopped up parts 55 and 56. Mark and drill 0.8mm holes in the floor sheet at the other end (opposite to where plate is on) and fit. Bend and then glue some 0.6mm wire to the back. Cut a 5mm length of lollypop stick at a 45° angle using a sharp knife, and mount near the pipes as shown.

Making the Bubble
One of the delights of scratch building this model is that the bog standard Kinder Egg is an almost exact scale replica of the bubble in terms of the hemispherical ends. It does require lengthening and this is done as follows.Take a male section of one egg and carefully cut off the outer 4mm of the rim. This is easy enough to do as the egg wall has a thin channel or groove here to act as a cutting guide.

Take the other egg and roughen the ends with sandpaper and then shape a small piece of Milliput so as to round the ends. I recommend dampening the Milliput , applying to the egg end and then shaping it in the palm of your hand. Leave to dry overnight.

Fit the second egg ends together as shown and use the cut off piece from the donor egg (!!) to fill out the gap. If the rim piece is cut carefully, it should be a perfect fit. Glue the three pieces together. Note that the plastic used does not take glue very well (even Superglue) so handle carefully. It may be worth trying a more full-bodied epoxy glue though I haven’t done this to date. Glue the egg to the chassis base. Glue some lead window strip underneath to add weight and ballast.

Other Detailing

Fit the manhole cover (part 51) as the Bubble cap.

Bend and glue the guitar wire as vacuum pipe.

The gangway can be made from net-curtain mesh (or K&S etched mesh) with a thin rim of styrene sheet . Use double thickness styrene triangles as gangway supports and glue to the side of the bubble.

The ladder included in the kit is perfect, but there is only one in each kit! I suggest Ratio signal ladder as an alternative. It is also a little finer in scale.

Fit the manhole cover (part 51) as the Bubble cap.

Bend and glue the guitar wire as vacuum pipe.

The gangway can be made from net-curtain mesh (or K&S etched mesh) with a thin rim of styrene sheet . Use double thickness styrene triangles as gangway supports and glue to the side of the bubble.

The ladder included in the kit is perfect, but there is only one in each kit! I suggest Ratio signal ladder as an alternative. It is also a little finer in scale.

Given that a rake of fifteen will probably remain permanently connected, for added realism I suggest using the coupling provided for the end wagons, and very light gauge wire loop glued to the hooks to connect each of the interim wagons.

Note: I will be producing a brass etch of the gangway and supports as an all-in-one bendable unit as an alternative to the above. It will also include the ladders. This should be available in January 2009.*

Painting and Transfers
Painting offers a few challenges as the model has had several liveries, including orange and beige. However for the last decade and more, most of them are an interesting mottled shade of greyish white with algae green streaks. The chassis originally was black but is now usually a non-descript grey-brown. If you are going to be building or repainting any volume of models, I strongly recommend purchasing a good quality air brush, such as an Iwata HP-CS and a mini-compressor. These can be got for quite good value off eBay. The simple reason is you can paint a brace of kits in a matter of minutes using diluted acrylic paint with a smooth, uniform coat that covers even the most inaccessible parts, dries quickly and allows repainting almost immediately.

Paint the model in the following order:

Paint the entire kit in white primer.
Spray-paint the chassis and wheels in a lightish grey brown.
Spray the bubble beige (mask as necessary).
Fit the “Broken Circle” and cement decals. I made up my own stencil type transfers of the CIE circle, “Cement,” model numbers and wheel inspection dates. Contact me if you are interested in sets of these.*
From overhead, use a criss-cross alternating mixture of white and primer grey to get a non-uniform finish approximating to ten years of cement coating. Another option is to spray a thin mist of water and then sprinkle minute amounts of fresh dry Polyfilla powder through a very fine sieve to get the layered cement look.
Bend and attach the side levers using 0.6mm wire into the pre-drilled holes, paint white and then yellow.
Paint the cement pipes a darker shade of grey/brown.
Paint the ends of the brake lever white then red.
Paint the sole-bars at appropriate points as indicated in the picture and fit the chassis numbering and inspection stencils.

To Conclude…
Oh the hours of blood, sweat and tears that can be summarised in little over three pages! However, taking the approach as laid out above and tackling them in an assembly line fashion, you can build a fifteen-unit rake for little over €100 in a matter of days. The main points to re-iterate are: get plenty of pictures to be in that comfort zone about the detail locations and take your time to get the chassis cut out and chassis sheet dimensions and angles correct. You’ll be well rewarded. In a future issue, I’ll tackle how to build the 20’ beet wagon using Corrugated sheeting. Nice!

[Ed: I once weathered a OO lime wagon with toothpaste, which looked like a thick coat of chalky minerals, but I would advises a test-patch, as some paint finishes may not tolerate tooth-paste.]

* dezsullivan@eircom.net

Tag Archives: irish rail

Christmas crackers from Studio Scale Models